United Customers Can Expedite Travel Process with TSA PreCheck as Program Expands to Cleveland Hub

CLEVELAND, March 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines announced the launch of the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) PreCheck program at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport's (CLE) Main Terminal. TSA PreCheck also opened for United customers on March 19 in Austin, Texas. TSA PreCheck is a risk-based pre-screening initiative that allows customers to volunteer information about themselves that may make them eligible to expedite their screening experience. The screening allows eligible United customers to leave on their shoes, light outerwear and belts and to keep their laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids and gels in their carry-ons when traveling through the Main Terminal, south checkpoint at CLE and in Austin at the Main Terminal, checkpoint 2, lane 4.

"We're excited to add Cleveland and round out the availability of PreCheck screenings at all eight of United's domestic hubs," said Alex Marren, United's senior vice president of network operations and United Express. "After participating in the program for more than nine months, feedback has been great and customers are welcoming the new process. We now have PreCheck at more than 25 airports where United flies."

The TSA manages and operates this program and is working with United and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to identify possible participants. Eligible United MileagePlus members are being invited to participate in the initial phase. Non-members may qualify by becoming eligible members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Trusted Traveler programs. For customers who choose to participate, the TSA will determine eligibility for expedited screening prior to each flight and will embed this information in the barcode of eligible customers' boarding passes. TSA agents will scan the boarding pass and direct eligible customers to the assigned pre-screening lane. The TSA will always incorporate random and unpredictable security measures, so no customers are guaranteed expedited screening.

United Airlines and United Express operate an average of 5,472 flights a day to 381 airports across six continents. In 2012, United and United Express carried more passenger traffic than any other airline in the world and operated nearly two million flights carrying 140 million customers. United is investing in upgrading its onboard products and now offers more flat-bed seats in its premium cabins and more extra-legroom economy-class seating than any airline in North America. In 2013, United became the first U.S.-based international carrier to offer satellite-based Wi-Fi on long-haul overseas routes. The airline also features DIRECTV® on nearly 200 aircraft, offering customers more live television access than any other airline in the world. United operates nearly 700 mainline aircraft and has made large-scale investments in its fleet. In 2013, United will continue to modernize its fleet by taking delivery of more than two dozen new Boeing aircraft. The company expanded its industry-leading global route network in 2012, launching nine new international and 18 new domestic routes. Business Traveler magazine awarded United Best Airline for North American Travel for 2012, and readers of Global Traveler magazine have voted United's MileagePlus program the best frequent flyer program for nine consecutive years. United is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 194 countries via 27 member airlines. More than 85,000 United employees reside in every U.S. state and in countries around the world. For more information, visit united.com or follow United on Twitter and Facebook. The common stock of United's parent, United Continental Holdings, Inc., is traded on the NYSE under the symbol UAL.